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Posted on: 13 April, 2014

Category 1 Cyclone Ita to affect Whitsunday region

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor and Chair of the Whitsunday Disaster Management GroupJenny Whitney said the Whitsunday Disaster Coordination Centre has moved to lean forward inpreparation for the impacts of Category 1 Tropical Cyclone Ita.

Mayor Whitney said based on Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) advice the Whitsunday region willtoday experience gale force winds with gusts up to 110 kilometers per hour and widespread rainfall of between 100-200mm and isolated falls of up to 400mm.

“The affects of Cyclone Ita have already commenced with worsening impacts over the afternoonand evening, with the area experiencing heavy rain and flash flooding,” she said.

“The Don River may experience fast river rises dependant on rainfall and warnings may be issued, residents in this area are advised to please continue to monitor the situation.

“Residents are advised to finalise their cyclone preparation.

“At this stage storm surge is not expected to exceed the Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) level.

“The Whitsunday Coast Airport remains open, however this afternoon’s Virgin flight has beencancelled, and passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest information.Up to date flight information for the Whitsunday Coast Airport can be found at www.whitsundaycoastairport.com.au

“The Bowen marine pilotage area is currently closed and the Whitsunday islands pilotage area isclosing from 3pm today.

“With the heavy rainfall road closures are expected across the region, please check

Emergency Action Guides (EAG) are available on Council’s website, or in our customer servicecentres, the storm tide inundation mapping zones shown in the EAG are an indication only forstorm tides.

To keep up to date with information relating to current disaster events, residents are encouraged to ‘Like’ the Whitsunday Disaster and Emergency Information Facebook page, which will provide a direct link to information from the Whitsunday Disaster Management Group.